Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tailored to You
In China, herbs are the primary treatment and acupuncture the partner. Together they reach conditions neither reaches alone.
Chinese herbal medicine at a glance
- What it is
- Individualized formulas of plant — and sometimes mineral — ingredients, prescribed according to your Chinese medicine diagnosis.
- Forms
- Raw herbs for decoction (strongest and most adaptable), granules/powders, pills, tinctures and herbal teas.
- Prescribed by
- An NCCAOM board-certified Chinese herbalist — Ni-Fei Hsieh, L.Ac.
- Often used for
- Infertility, menstrual and menopausal issues, thyroid, digestive problems, anxiety and insomnia, chronic headache, recovery after illness.
- Safety
- High-quality herbs used properly have very few side effects. Tell us about every medication and supplement you take.
A powerful healing method in its own right
Herbal medicine is by itself a powerful method of healing in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In China, herbs are considered the primary method of treatment, with acupuncture secondary. For infertility and many other chronic conditions, the combination of herbs and acupuncture helps achieve the best result: acupuncture regulates the system during your visit, and herbs keep working every day in between.
In Chinese herbology, each prescription is a carefully balanced "cocktail" of many ingredients tailored to the individual patient. It may draw on different parts of plants — leaf, stem, flower and root — as well as minerals. Many ingredients are used together to achieve the right balance for your condition. Some are included to cancel out the strong nature or side effects of the main herbs; others act as catalysts, without which the formula would be far less effective.
As your symptoms change, so does your formula. Patients often notice that the taste of their decoction changes over the weeks — a sign that the prescription is being adjusted to where your body is now.
Choosing the right form for you
Raw herbs are the strongest and the most adaptable to your condition. When convenience matters, we may prescribe granules, pills, tinctures or teas instead.
Raw decoction
Herbs simmered at home into a tea. The most potent and precisely adjustable option.
Granules & powders
Concentrated extracts dissolved in hot water — strong, quick and travel-friendly.
Pills & tinctures
Convenient for maintenance, long courses or milder conditions.
Herbal teas
Gentle daily support — for example in early pregnancy or for digestion.
Safety and working with your doctor
In general, high-quality herbs have very few side effects when used properly — but they can cause problems when misused. That is why you need a knowledgeable, board-certified herbalist to prescribe your formula, rather than buying products off the shelf.
- Bring a list of every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and supplement you take
- Tell us if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding — formulas are chosen accordingly
- Continue your prescribed medicines; any change should be made with your physician
- Report any digestive upset or unusual reaction so we can adjust promptly
Several of our patients have reduced medication with their physician's approval as their health improved — for example blood pressure medication — but that decision always belongs to you and your medical doctor.
Patients who combined both
After six months of acupuncture and herbs I tried IVF one more time. This time, I got pregnant.— Karen J.Brunswick, NJ · age 43
After recent blood work, I'm no longer showing signs of hypothyroidism. My IBS is under control.— Paola G.Kearny, NJ · age 35
Five months later I'm off my blood pressure pill with my doctor's blessing — and I don't smoke anymore.— Glenda H.Union, NJ · age 55
Herbal medicine questions
How do Chinese herbs work with acupuncture?
Acupuncture adjusts the body's balance during each visit, while herbs work continuously every day. For chronic conditions such as infertility, combining the two often produces the best results.
What do herbal decoctions taste like?
Honestly, they take some getting used to. Most are earthy or bitter, and the flavor changes as your formula changes. Granules or pills are available if taste is a barrier.
How long will I take herbs?
It depends on the condition. Acute problems may need a week or two; fertility, hormonal and other chronic conditions often need several months, with the formula adjusted every few weeks.
Related pages
Ready to feel like yourself again?
Call the office nearest you to schedule. New patients should allow about 90 minutes for the first visit, which includes a full health history, pulse and tongue diagnosis and your first treatment.